Haute cuisine to Old Town favourites
If you asked us to select our ten favourite new developments in Marbella, or Marbella penthouses or luxury villas for sale in Marbella, it would be virtually impossible. Why? Marbella is a unique destination with exceptional properties, each with unique qualities that appeal to different tastes.
Similarly, if you are familiar with Marbella’s restaurant scene, you will understand that it is virtually impossible to pick ten of the best restaurants in this beautiful beachside city. Marbella’s mix of international residents and cosmopolitan outlook has seen it become the culinary capital of the Costa del Sol, serving Michelin, Haute Cuisine and traditional rustic dishes, with equal aplomb.
Traditional rustic charm, meets fine dining.
When dining out in Marbella, it is possible to discover everything from an authentic seafood paella at delightful beachside chiringuitos to mussels frites a charming Belgian bistro and tasty Venetian treats at Cipriani Marbella.
Here is our top ten selection to help you take the first steps to discovering Marbella’s vibrant gastronomy scene:
Marbella Club Hotel – The Grill
We thought it fitting to rank The Grill at the Marbella Club Hotel in pole position, as it was the arrival of this iconic hotel in the 1950s that changed Marbella, from being a small fishing village into a resort to rival St. Tropez. There are so many things to like about this superb restaurant, from the stunning garden setting to the great food and excellent service, that make the expensive price tag worth every cent. The dress code is smart casual and service is silver… it is the perfect place to treat yourself.
Marbella Club Hotel – MC Beach
Staying with the Marbella Club, MC Beach is another favourite which we feel perfectly captures the essence of sophistication and the relaxed atmosphere of a chiringuito. Upon entering you are tempting to sit back, relax and listen to the gentle wave lap the shore beside you – all day long. The menu comprises delicious fresh fish and seafood, including traditional gambas Pil Pil and black paella, reflecting its Mediterranean beach location. Open for both lunch and dinner, its ideal any time of day for delicious dishes and long drinks in the bar lounge.
These are just two of the many restaurants at the Marbella Club Hotel, including El Patio, Beach Club, The Garden Pool, El Olivar, Rudi’s and the Summer Bar, they each offer fantastic classic food for either lunch or dinner, in exquisite surroundings.
Puente Romano Beach Resort
Also on the Marbella’s Golden Mile, you’ll find the Puente Romano Beach Resort, designed in the style of an Andalusian village, with beautiful gardens, boutiques, shops and over 20 restaurants within the grounds. It is also home to some of the most sought-after beachfront Marbella property.
The resort is directly opposite the Saudi Arabian royal family’s palace, and was initially developed to cater for the luxury tastes of the Saudi Arabian royal family and friends. One of the most notable restaurants in the complex are the Italian institution Cipriani. There is also Gaia offering delicious Mediterranean / Greek fusion and the new Marbella branch of Antonio Banderas’ restaurant El Pimpi which opened in 2024, to name a few. We also love the Coya Club, a great dining to dancing venue with live music and DJs.
Visit the website’s online booking options to reserve a table in your preferred restaurant: www.puenteromano.com/dining-drinks/
Boho Club Restaurant
Compared to the Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano, two of Marbella’s oldest institutions, the Boho Club is a relatively new addition to Marbella’s Golden Mile. This is our top choice for large groups, offering a sophisticated casual atmosphere, where chef Diego del Rio delivers some sensational gourmet dishes. The restaurant opens at 08.00, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus there is a pool bar with a terrace where you can enjoy a tasty snack.
Victor’s Beach
As you continue to work your way down the Golden Mile, you will find another Marbella’s landmarks – Victor’s Beach. Situated right on the beach, this charming family-owned beach bar and chiringuito opened way back in 1978, and continues to serve delicious traditional Spanish dishes with a modern twist. Over the years it has built a loyal clientele, who enjoy the friendly relaxed atmosphere, superb beachfront location and view across Puerto Banús and the Mediterranean Sea. DJs create a great party vibe in the evening …. and they serve a mean Margarita!
To book a table call: +34 639 55 30 88
Alba by Serafina
Alba By Serafina is a beautifully understated contemporary Italian restaurant, also on the Golden Mile, that has managed to achieve the magical formula for high-quality food, atmosphere and level of service. As soon as you step through the door to your last bite, you’ll be impressed by the authentic Italian cuisine, stylish modern decor and friendly staff and the incredibly reasonable prices! If you are planning a romantic meal, there is a beautiful terrace and conservatory that comes into its own on these warm summer nights.
Tel: 952 771 798
www.albarestaurantmarbella.com/reservation
Tahini, Marbella
Located on Marbella’s beautiful beachside promenade in the gardens of the Gran Meliá Don Pepe hotel, Tahini is our favourite Sushi spot. Part of the Cappuccino Group, this restaurant (and its sister restaurant in Majorca) is said to be the result of extensive research of Tokyo’s best restaurants and the extensive training of their Sushi chef. The gardens are beautifully lush and the interior has a contemporary pared back look, however we suggest choosing a table on the terrace, as you’ll get the best Mediterranean Sea views.
Book online via the website here
Casanis Bistro, Marbella
This little gem is nestled on a cobbled street in Marbella’s Old Town, offering a relatively concise but delicious menu of French and Belgian influenced cuisine. The interior is bursting with the Gallic character of a French bistro and the exterior is festooned with bougainvillea and fairy lights creating a enchanting dinner destination. There is a main dining room, an inner patio, terrace and function room available for large groups upon request.
reservations@casanisbistrot.com
Mamzel Marbella
At the heart of Marbella’s Golden Mile in Finca Besaya, Mamzel Marbella is a must-do for those who enjoy a musical dinner show, with an emphasis on fine dining. Part of the Casanis Group, the restaurant opened in 2020, and has since become a firm favourite for live entertainment. The menu specialises in international cuisine, offering a superb range to suit all palates, focusing on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. There is a smart elegant dress code and it is not cheap, but the price reflects the quality of the venue, menu and entertainment. Perfect for a celebration or simply a fun night out with a show and great food. It is necessary to book beforehand.
Book online here:
- Cappuccino Grand Cafe
Last but definitely not least, Cappuccino Grand Café is one of the most relaxed venues in Marbella, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and ideally positioned on the promenade with superb sea views. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, cakes and cocktails: whether you like to start the day with a healthy detox smoothy or to tuck into something more substantial, the choice is yours. This venue offers carefully curated menus and sophisticated cocktails, that will appeal to all tastes.
There are many reasons why the Costa del Sol and in particular Marbella continues to attract investors, holiday makers and expats from all over the world. We are all attracted to the coveted Mediterranean lifestyle of long-hot summers and al-fresco dining by the beach or a long cool drink around the pool. This is just a small selection of the restaurants you can try and there are many more to explore.
If you are looking for property for sale in Marbella or the wider Costa del Sol, our experienced and friendly team can help you find the perfect Marbella property, to suit your family’s needs, tastes and budget.
Get in touch on +34 655 426 195 or +45 4016 0462 or WhatsApp, email marbella@andliving.es or visit the website https://andliving.es/
